Aging can take its toll

Although the joys of grand-parenthood are many and wonderful, along with it comes the reality of aging.   Both Mom and I are feeling our age… at times.  Yes, we are only in our early 70's and other seniors are still steaming along youthfully.  But we are who we are and from time to time must take an assessment of our physical resources.  What I am getting at is that we need to let you all know a few things: 

Mom has recently had quite a bout with her eyes and the retina area.  At one point during one of her exams she went virtually unconscious and the doctor and I were almost panicked… yes the doctor too.  He was moments away from calling for an ambulance.  It all started when she received an injection of a radioactive liquid to allow them a view of the veins in her eyes.  She has also been suffering many incidents of dizziness and disorientation, so much so that she is often not comfortable with driving herself.

Not to be outdone by your Mom, this Wednesday I will be going into the hospital for some tests on my heart.  Recently, in a routine test deposits of calcium were discovered in one of my coronary arteries.  Thus the extra tests.  I am pretty sure all will turn out fine but the whole thing has made me aware of my mortality.  My energy level has been in the tank lately and the doctor decided to do the tests which could result in anything from a stent to a new pill… or who knows.

Please do not be worried.  We are both doing fine (for a couple of 90 year olds).  I just thought this note was important so there would be no hurt feelings when you ask certain things of us.  In the recent past we have been asked to help out in (for us) challenging ways.  In years past we took great delight in “babysitting” and doing other things for you all.  But our capacity to do such things is not what it used to be.  So, if you need us to do things for you, please ask, but don’t be hurt if we must decline.